Dr. Daniel Siegel , bestselling author and professor of psychiatry at UCLA recently published (2013) a book describing the brain changes that take place in the adolescent brain. It is entitled Brainstorm . He describes it as an “Inside-out guide to the emerging adolescent mind, ages 13-24,” and “The Power and purpose of the Teenage Brain.” In it he describes in an understandable way, the neurobiological changes that are taking place in the adolescent mind that transition the teen from childhood to adulthood. Refreshingly he doesn’t talk about only the challenges ( risk-taking behavior without thought of consequences, withdrawal from adults, moodiness, and apathy), but he also discusses the tremendous positive aspects of this time of life as a teen navigates these years with passion, energy and creativity which can endure and enrich their adult years.
The book also includes a section on making sense of your own adolescence whether you’re there now or long past it. Understanding how your family of origin shaped you into the person you are today can create growth in your own emotional life and significant relationships.
Another valuable component of the book is the practical “mindsight” tools that are included. These are research supported exercises and activities that are described to help both the developing adolescent mind and also the adult mind achieve greater brain health and integration. Adults can benefit from walking through this and understanding their own adolescence and completing any unresolved developmental tasks in their own life and evaluating their own current relationships.
I would highly recommend this book for adolescents and their parents and also for any adult who has yet to make sense of their own adolescent experience or who simply desires to achieve greater brain and emotional health.